The Crucible Introduction

The introduction of The Crucible reminded me about my United States history lessons last year. Much like we did in class, Christopher Bigsby notes the parallels between the Salem witch trials and McCarthyism. He also claims that the two events share similarities with Nazi Germany. Miller notes that in all the cases, "It was 'the maturation of hysteria at the time which pulled the trigger'" (x). I believe this captures the pattern and repetition of history in all cases perfectly. Due to a person's fear of the "other" and their ability to spread their message, a mass hysteria formed. Like Faulkner noted, "The past is never dead. It's not even past." 

I also found Starkey's point about how understanding the individual was necessary to understand the entirety of the historical event interesting. I look forward to seeing how The Crucible personalizes the Salem witch trials and expands on the classroom learning we already have.

When Bigsby mentioned the social contract, I was excited to see how he would connect it to the witch trials and other events that followed. I never realized how weak the social contract really is and how quickly it can crumble. I also viewed the social contract in the political and legal sense of the word, whereas Bisby defines it as depending on when “love and respect bind individuals” (xv).

I cannot wait follow the Salem witch trials in a more personal way and in a new perspective through The Crucible.

By: Ilanit